Lake access

Club commodore Bob Backway says the group will defy any attempt to ban the practice.

"We have a perfect common law right to boat on that waterway, and we'll probably make another public statement like we did last year in the hope that it will go to court and sanity will prevail," he said.

But Marree Hotel owner Phil Turner says the decision will not change access to the lake.

"I think there is a tremendous amount of respect and understanding of all of the users of the lake," he said.

"It's still business as usual... it's a momentous occasion for the Arabana people."

As part of the deal, traditional owners have dropped a similar claim to the outback town of Marree.

The native title claim also includes the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park.

'Crying and partying'

Benji Warren is an Arabana man born near Finniss Springs.

He says his feelings of joy and relief after a protracted battle for recognition are overwhelming.

"It's a feeling you cannot describe, it's unbelievable," he said.

"We're having a good time out there. They were overjoyed they were yelling and screaming and crying and partying and, you know, they were overwhelmed.

"Everybody was out there, there's camps everywhere. The kids camp was lit up like a city."

He says he has no objections to tourists using Lake Eyre.

"People can go boating and fishing. As far as I'm concerned it shouldn't be a problem but we've got to go one step at a time," he said.